Prior to living in Gratiot County, Luther, lived in Ingham County, Stockbridge Township. He was married to Laura, who died Sept 25, 1843: He then married on November 29, 1846 a Miss Phoebe Philo, who died in 1847 and is buried next to Laura in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge Twp, Ingham County, MI.

He later married Emma C. Osborn and is shown in Gratiot Census married to her.

His son by his first marriage to Laura was William Henry Harrison Smith b. Aug 25, 1840 d. Lebanon, Mo. May 17, 1928 m. Huldah Amanda Harris b. Feb 13, 1844 d. Oct 17, 1920. He also had 2 daughters: born 1st was Caroline and 3rd after William was Sabra (Rogers)

Luther was a prominent member of the community where he lived and was one of the pioneers of the area. He also fought in the Civil War as did his son William H H Smith. While the obituary shows a suicide, it is important to note that the handed down account provided by 2 granddaughters state that Luther was robbed and left dead and that morphine was used to kill him. It seems odd that such a person would commit suicide.

Obit.

1879, Aug. 16-Luther C. Smith committed suicide with morphine, following a controversy which worked on his mind. His dead body was found in the woods on section two. He had been prominent in official matters in three townships. He was one of the earliest settlers in North Star where he held official positions, and in 1860 he was Arcada's supervisor. In Newark he was also a man of standing and influence. He was about 70 years old at his death. (mortality schedule shows age 65). I have the obit schedule which is more accurate than the above account which is taken from a History book on Gratiot County, Mi)

Cause of Death: Suicide by Morphine